01-Nov-2023
2 mins read
October saw Indian carmakers in overdrive, with estimated dispatches to dealers hitting a historic high. Anticipating surging demand, they shipped between 380,000-385,000 cars, surpassing September’s peak of 362,000 units. This incredible surge denotes a growth of 13.5-14.5% compared to last year – marking the most significant monthly leap over a year.
Monthly Dispatch Comparison
| Month | Dispatches (in units) | Growth from Previous Year |
| October | 380,000-385,000 | 13.5-14.5% |
| September | 362,000 | (base month) |
Festive Fever Fuels Sales, but What Lies Beyond Diwali?
The festive euphoria is predicted to drive record car sales this season. October might be one of the final months to witness such a boom, especially with the end of the festive season fast approaching with the culmination of Diwali. Post this; car manufacturers might taper their dispatches to match the expected demand, possibly slowing sales volumes in subsequent months.
Consecutive Highs and Overall Growth
October has become the third consecutive month where wholesale volumes shattered previous records. With these figures, the total car sales for the first ten months of the year are projected to touch 3.45 million units – reflecting a robust 9% growth year-on-year.
Cumulative Sales Overview
| Timeframe | Sales (in units) | Growth YoY |
| First 10 months of the year | 3.45 million | 9% |
Vinkesh Gulati from FADA (Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations of India) provided a balanced view to the media, stating, “Bookings and enquiries have waned, but we’re looking at three solid months of sales.” He also hinted at promotional schemes possibly coming in December, especially for slow-moving models.
In line with wholesale volumes, retail sales have also been promising. According to Vahan’s data, over 300,000 passenger cars were registered consecutively for three months since August. The current tally stands at 960,000, with two sales days yet to be accounted for on the government’s registration portal.
The Indian auto sector has indeed shifted gears, with record-breaking dispatches and sales. While the festive season is propelling these numbers, it remains to be seen how the industry will navigate the post-festive phase. Adjustments in dispatches, promotions, and strategies will be keenly watched by industry stakeholders and customers alike.